Slide-in puzzle

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for providing puzzle enthusiasts with a creative type of puzzle. The apparatus comprises a frame member for containing such puzzle. The frame member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. There is a plurality of sticks having a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material and having a predetermined size. The sticks have a preprinted design thereon, and are for placing in the frame member to create a design therein. An opening is disposed at a top portion of the frame member, wherein the sticks can be one of added or removed from the frame by means of such opening in a manner so as to able to form such design therein that is viewable through the frame.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/201,469 filed Dec. 11, 2008.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a puzzle game, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a puzzle game in which pieces can be arranged in a frame creating different images and is applicable for individuals aged seven and up.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

BACKGROUND

There are many puzzles that are available on the market today. Most of the puzzles are put together in a single format and the final appearance of the puzzle is always the same. It would be advantageous if there were puzzles in which an individual's creativity could be used by fitting pieces together to create a design that is as much fun to display as it is to put together.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus for providing puzzle enthusiasts with a creative type of puzzle, the apparatus comprises a frame member for containing such puzzle, the frame member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. There is a plurality of sticks having a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material and having a predetermined size, the sticks, having a preprinted design thereon, are for placing in the frame member to create a design therein. An opening is disposed at a top portion of the frame member, wherein the sticks can be one of added or removed from the frame by means of such opening in a manner so as to form such design therein that is viewable through the frame.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a puzzle game that permits the user to create a design inside a puzzle frame.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a puzzle that promotes both logic and problem solving capabilities.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a puzzle wherein preprinted sticks are positioned in a frame to create a design.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the apparatus showing some sticks being added to the frame with a partial design already formed therein.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the individual puzzle pieces of the apparatus showing the frame and the individual sticks.

FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view of the puzzle with the last few pieces being put into the frame.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the completed puzzle.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the completed puzzle as a decorative display in the home.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for providing puzzle enthusiasts with a creative type of puzzle, the apparatus 10 comprises a frame member 2 for containing such puzzle, the frame member 2 having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material. There is a plurality of sticks 4 having a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material and having a predetermined size, the sticks 4 have a preprinted design imprinted thereon thereon. Such sticks 4 are for placing in the frame member 2 to create a design therein. As seen in FIG. 1 there is an opening disposed at a top portion of the frame member 2 wherein the sticks 4 can be one of added or removed from the frame member 2 by means of such opening in a manner so as to be able to form such design therein that is viewable through the frame member 2.

The predetermined size of the sticks 4 is selected so as to fit securely inside the frame 2. It is presently preferred that the first predetermined shape of such frame member 2 is substantially rectangular.

The first predetermined material for forming such frame member 2 is one of wood, plastic and cardboard. Also it is also presently preferred that such second predetermined material for forming the sticks 4 is selected from one of wood, plastic and cardboard.

The frame member 2 is substantially a rectangle being between about 8.75 and 9.25 inches high, and between about 11.75 and 12.25 inches long and between about ¾ inch and about 1¼ inch thick. It is also presently preferred that the frame member 2 is formed as a single piece.

Thus, the present invention provides a new type of puzzle that is as much fun to display as it is to put together. The framed design accepts a number of wooden, plastic or cardboard sticks that are inserted inside. The preprinted sticks are arranged to create an image or design that is viewable through the frame. The open top of the frame allows the user to add or remove sticks as desired. The challenging method enables the user to create a design that can be displayed and viewed later. The frame securely holds the sticks together. The sticks are sized to fit inside the frame. The single-piece frame measures approximately 9 inches high, 12 inches long and about 1 inch in thickness. Although size of the frame can be different the sizes mentioned are desired sizes. The frame and the sticks can be fashioned in varying materials and is made to sit or hang in a predetermined manner. The puzzle is designed to promote logic and problem solving capabilities in creating an image within the frame.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for providing puzzle enthusiasts with a creative type of puzzle, said apparatus comprising: (a) a frame member for containing such puzzle, said frame member having a first predetermined shape and formed of a first predetermined material; (b) a plurality of sticks having a second predetermined shape and formed of a second predetermined material and having a predetermined size, said sticks having a preprinted design thereon for placing in said frame member to create a design therein; (c) an opening disposed at a top portion of said frame member, wherein said sticks are one of added and removed from said frame by means of said opening in a manner so as to form such design therein that is viewable through said frame.
 2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined size of said sticks is selected so as to fit in said frame.
 3. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined shape is substantially rectangular.
 4. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said first predetermined material for forming said frame is one of wood, plastic and cardboard.
 5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said second predetermined material for forming said sticks is selected from one of wood, plastic and cardboard.
 6. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said frame is substantially a rectangle being between about 8.75 and 9.25 inches high, and between about 11.75 and 12.25 inches long and between about ¾ inch and about 1¼ inch thick.
 7. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said frame member is formed as a single piece. 